#11 - Top of 2018

Clutch - Book of Bad Decisions (Weathermaker Music)

What can be said about the latest endeavour of southern/stoner/slacker rockers Clutch? The album follows suit from previous releases "Earth Rocker" and "Psychic Warfare", continuing the trend of the band experimenting with different song structures and playfully dipping their toes in variations of the sound that made them famous. They can't go too wrong as the vocals of Neil Fallon and the riffing by Tim Sult, accompanied by the ever-present rhythm section of Dan Maines (bass) and Jean-Paul Gaster are a surefire guarantee of a good-time. And in the "Book of Bad Decisions", the band again delivers with another album good from the bottom to the top. Thus, the band seems to have found the recipe for success in creating groovy compositions that seem destined to dominate any live show they play! After all, they can write anthems effortlessly, with "How To Shake Hands" and "Weird Times" being two of the more distinctive compositions that confirm Clutch's excellence in this area and are distinguished for their functionality and simplicity. At the same time, as noted above, they continue to display a tendency to experiment and mix different stylistic elements. This results to a host of truly memorable compositions, with 'In' Walks Barbarella "(with the excellent use of wind instruments) and" Vision Quest "(with a fantastic piano orchestration) being perhaps the most stand-out tracks. Along with the aforementioned tracks,  "Emily Dickinson", "Ghoul Wrangler" and "Lorelei" (with a very .. soundtrack dynamic) are a set of compositions that would fit seamlessly in almost any previous band release, and once again reaffirm Clutch as one of the best rock acts of any kind out there.


95.5/100

Below are the music videos for "In Walks Barbarella", "Hot Bottom Feeder", "Give Me the Keys", "How to Shake Hands" and "Ghoul Wrangler".

#12 - Top of 2018

Amorphis - Queen of Time (Nuclear Blast)

On number 12, we have the new album by Amorphis, the Finnish melodic heavy metal band with a long history of amazing albums since the beginning of their career back in the 90's (with one of them previously gracing our Top of 2011). "The Bee" introduces what the band is skilful in, harmonically combining the melodic aspect of Tomi Joutsen's clear and mellow vocals with his heavier growls while the music perfectly follows in line those changes with some memorable guitar riffs. "Message in the Amber" has a more epic twist adding volume to its sound and showcasing amazing songwriting from Esa Holopainen,  while different members of the band contributing to different songs creating an overall unique outcome. "Daughter of Hate" adds a darker note to the record with a heavier sound that blends uniquely with an imposing chorus, saxophone sounds (by Jørgen Munkeby) and spoken words in Finnish (by Pekka Kainulainen), while "The Golden Elk" (with its mixture of violins, guitars and other traditional organs) and "Wrong Direction" (with a stronger keyboard sound) lean on the band's easily trademark melodic sound. The more atmospheric "Heart of the Giant" has a middle-eastern feel to it created using an orchestra and a chorus to expand on the sound in order to compliment the ever shifting vocals. The album is ever-changing with "We Accursed" and "Grain of Sand" being  more classic melodic death songs that are not lacking in twist with the former having a prog-ish mid-song twist full of keyboards and the latter being full of interesting melodic guitar riffs. The most "catchy" and memorable song of the record has to be "Amongst Stars" where we have a guest appearance by Anneke van Giersbergen (from more bands that I can count including The Gathering, Ayreon, Devin Townsend etc.), who blends wonderfully with Joutsen's clear and growl vocals adding an even more melodic touch to the record!
The ambient but pompous "Pyres on the Coast" might be the last track but there are two awesome bonus tracks, the imposing and melancholic "As Mountains Crumble" (constantly moving from acoustic to prog keyboards and epic tunes) and the equally atmospheric "Brother and Sister" for those looking a bit more of the Amorphis!


95.25/100

Below is the official music video for "Among Stars" and the official lyric video for "The Bee".

#13 - Top of 2018

Ghost - Prequelle (Loma Vista)

The journey of the weirdest superstars of the decade continues, as Ghost released their 4th full-length album, to critical and commercial acclaim. The album continues on the same creative vein with the previous work of the group, mixing 80s pop rock and metal - lite elements along with satanic imagery and lyrics, while preserving an overall fun factor that has made the band as popular as it is. The album has 9 tracks (+ intro), that keep the listener on its feet while at the same time the band successfully transcends mere imitation and establishes its own musical identity, more strongly than ever, clearly demonstrating that they are their own superstars right now.  Tracks like "Rats", "Dance Macabre", "Faith" and "Life Eternal", are among the best the band has ever written and while theatrics still remain a focal point for the band in this age of image, this would still be a great album regardless of all that. There are multiple superstar collaborators in the album (Mikael Åkerfeldt [Opeth], Vincent Portare [Avicii]) and a stellar production by Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, Pixies), whose work might be the true superstar of the album as the production mixes modern and old-school evoking enthusiasm and nostalgia at the same time. Ghost are not overrated, nor are underrated. They are correctly rated as one of the hottest acts of this decade!

95.2/100

Below are the music videos for "Rats"  and "Dance Macabre".

#14 - Top of 2018

Judicator - The Last Emperor (Independent)

Judicator ascend to 14 of the 2018 Top Albums with their fourth full-length release The Last Emperor. The US-based power metallers are reminiscent of Blind Guardian but succeed in adding their own twist by weaving an interesting quick-paced record that never lets the listener lose interest. Starting with the titular song "The Last Emperor" and its melodic guitar intro, the epic atmosphere is set as if told by warriors amidst a battle. "Take Up Your Cross" has a galloping drum bit (by Jordan Ecless) supporting it throughout the song blending perfectly with the sing-along chorus and strong clear vocals by John Yelland (giving off Hansi vibes)! The heaviness and volume are levelled up with "Raining Gold" which is also full of amazing guitar riffs (and an awesome mid-song guitar interlude blended with sword crossing sounds). "The Queen of All Cities" is one of the album highlights with more theatrical vocals, acoustic guitar interludes (that wonderfully connect different parts of the song) and great songwriting spanning over nine minutes of melodic epicness. And then during the song "Spiritual Treason", the perfect guest appearance is made by none other than Hansi Kürsch (of Blind Guardian) which is the ultimate counter-part for Yelland's vocals thus gracing us with an awesomely melodic power metal song with a chorus that will stick to your mind (like a classic Blind Guardian song)! "Antioch" is another personal favourite starting with an acoustic intro before blasting into galloping riffs and clear high pitched vocals. Wrapping up the record, "Nothing But Blood" is an instant classic power metal song with great electric guitar tunes while "It Falls to Jerusalem" has a more melodic vibe allowing for the focus on the storytelling by both amazing clear and group vocals! The power-metal epicness is flawlessly depicted by the cover artwork (Marc Whisnant) which wraps everything together for an excellent release!


95.1/100

Below is the official music video for the "King of Rome".

#15 - Top of 2018

Magnum - Lost on the Road to Eternity (Steamhammer)

It  comes as no surprise that Magnum know how to create a hit album adding more songs to their list of all time classics with their 20th (!!!) full-length album. Following their last release "Sacred Blood, "Divine" Lies", the band continues showcasing their musicianship and excitement for what they are doing. Kicking off with the amazingly catchy "Peaches and Cream" and followed up with "Show Me Your Hands", we are re-introduced to Bob Catley's uplifting vocals, great guitar riffs by Tony Clarkin and mellow keyboards by Rick Benton (replacing Mark Stanway who left the band following the release of the previous album) through two songs created for live sing-along situations. "Storm Baby" starts out with a power-ballad vibe but also has some heavier guitar riffs while "Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret" has a more electric atmosphere and a great guitar fadeout at the end of the song. "Lost on the Road to Eternity" with its surprisingly fitting guest vocals by Tobias Sammet (of Edguy and Avantasia) is definitely among the album's highlights, with Sammet and Catley having previously collaborated in a number of Avantasia albums. If you are looking for a cheesy song with a designated sing-along section that can easily become an instant radio hit you don't have to look further than "Without Love". If you are into a more 80's aesthetic and sound "Tell Me What You've Got to Say" is your song. "Ya Wanna Be Someone" has a 60's-70's feel-good/ Deep Purple vibe,  while closer"Glory to Ashes" is a great melodic elegy with more depth in the sound and orchestration and of course the amazing vocals of Bob Catley! Magnum's secret formula has once again succeeded and the band once again release an album that has everything for everyone, young and old alike!


95/100

Below is the official lyric videos for "Lost on the Road to Eternity" and "Without Love".

#16 - Top of 2018

Subsignal - La Muerta (Gentle Art of Music)

The spiritual successors of Sieges Even, returned  in 2018 with their 5th full-time release, featuring "new" members Markus Maichel and Dirk Brand in Keyboards and Drums, respectively. Dirk did also previously collaborate with the band in their previous record "The Beacons of Somewhere Sometime", but this is the first record he is featured as a full member of the band. Prog rock fans familiar with the latest period of Sieges Even and the previous work of Subsignal, are by now familiar with the way these records work; they are not to be consumed in a singular track manner, but should be rather taken as a holistic experience, with a music motif extant throughout each record expanding in various ways throughout the record and reaching its natural conclusion as the album reaches its end. The success of each individual record, in terms of artistry is always dependent on whether the band is able to successfully convey its main theme and derivatives, but at the same time succeed in differentiate between tracks in such a manner as to not be construed as repetitive.  This exactly is where the present record is superior to its predecessor; it creates an immersive environment for the bands music to grow and their ideas to flourish without forcing its hand.

...And delivers a prog masterpiece worthy to be considered among the best prog records of 2018!

94.9/100

Below is the official single version for titular track "La Muerta"

#17 - Top of 2018

Heavy Generation - The Spirit Lives On (SlipTrick Records)

Fans of Italian heavy metal unite! Heavy Generation gallop from Lombardy with their first album to bring us the Heavy Metal we deserve. "Born to Rock" blasts its way through getting you pumped for what will follow, which is "Fire Steel Metal", one the heaviest and cheesiest tracks of the year with an amazingly catchy chorus along the suitably over-the-top vocals by Ivan Giannini and an awesome guitar interlude by Fabio Cavestro (don't miss out the equally over-the-top video clip)! "No Control" is a more classic speedy heavy metal song with a short musical interlude packed in just over 3 minutes. "Blood and Sand" adds a more epic twist to the album singing about "immortal glory" while "Heavy Generation" picks up the pace giving us a great sing-along chorus. "Path of Denial" is the surprise of the record as it starts on with a more brooding attitude and lyrical theme but turns out into an epic chorus that should be heard in the highest volume possible as Ivan's high pitched vocals will make you wanna sing along! Speaking of epic, "My Spirit Lives On" has an amazing intro perfectly combined with a groovier chorus. Fear not, there are more heavy tracks left, including the personal favourite "Odin" which starts with a foreboding and epic voice-over that is followed by some great heavy metal drums by Marco Stefani! The album wraps up with the Manowar-esque "March Until the Grave" (with its awesomely epic interlude & "warrior's" narration) and the heavier drum-based "No More Mercy" that finishes with a blasting guitar solo and a thunder! "The Spirit Lives On" is a promising first release by Heavy Generation that will leave you pumped for their next heavy metal album!



94.8/100

Below are the official music videos for "Path of Denial" and "Fire Steel Metal".

#18 - Top of 2018

Grill - The Eternal Presence (828182 Records DK2)

Do you enjoy prog jamming with Jazz/fusion mixed in for good measure? Do you find contemporary music uninspiring?  Do you long for songs that you have no idea where they are going but you are nevertheless going to enjoy the journey? Do you thing that the current direction of Opeth is not progressive enough? Then GRILL is truly the band for you!
The quartet hail from Sydney, Australia and, beyond that very few things are known about them.  Album opens with "Heart of the City", which truly feels like at times like a free-flow jam from the band . Follow up "Circadian Patterns" sets off with true vibes of  Psychotic Waltz in its unusual rhythms, before going full fusion and loosing itself briefly, before resurfacing triumphant.  "Waking Dreams" kicks off almost like a power ballad, before going epic metal (!) with an awesome shrieking bridge, killer riffing and a catchy melodic chorus, while at the same time retaining a prog rock core. I know it sounds weird but it is the god honest vibe of the song and god-damn it sounds awesome. Follow-up "Aether", is an almost acoustic instrumental prog piece, very reminiscent of the opener in its experimental and jamming attitude. Finally, the closing composition "Voyager" is the most Opeth-esque composition of the album, which however still manages to experiment and break new ground with ever-changing tempos and moods, managing to close one of the most challenging and fresh prog releases of 2018 in a triumphant manner. Keep em coming Maestro!


94.7/100

Below you can stream the entire album from the band's youtube page. If you enjoy it, you can support the band in their bandcamp here.

#19 - Top of 2018

Psychework - Karelian Hills (Ranka Kustannus)

Symphonic Heavy metal has been an oft maligned genre, with bands essentially playing pop sprinkled with heavy guitars often claiming to be part of a genre, which has essentially become a term signifying lack of quality. Fear not gentle reader! For Psychework have put METAL back in the Symphonic/Atmospheric genre. Their truly seminal work "Karelian Hills" is only their second album, and although I never heard the band or their label, from the first second of opener "Siege" I was hooked. The dramatic Vocals of  Antony Parviainen, along with the sound samples and epic catchy chorus, let you know that this is not a run of the mill band. This is further verified by the second track "Phantoms White" with epic moments  mixed with  pinches of black metal twists and turns."Karelian Hills" is an epic crescendo, "Fire Still Burns" is a silent moment of contemplation, "Ghost Patrol" is a power metal hymn and finisher "There Beyond" is a theatric/avant-guarde piece of symphonic perfection. Once the album finishes you are left wondering how you have not heard of Psychework yet and, more importantly why the hell these guys are not a household name yet!

94.5/100

Below is the music video for "Siege"

#20 - Top of 2018

Angel of Damnation - Heathen Witchcraft (Shadow Kingdom Records)

Angel of Damnation are essentially a side band of Gerrit P. Mutz (vocals/bass, ex-Battleroar, Sacred Steel, Dawn of Winter) and Daniel Chicos (guitars, Nocturnal, Front Beast). In their  second attempt, "Heathen Witchcraft",  they continue on the same path of unrelenting Candlemass-esque epic doom which is truly their bread and butter. Recently signing to a bigger label allowed the band to access a wider array of doom fans and this second release became a trademark of quality for doom metal in 2019, combining monolithic slow riffing with the epic vocal colours of Mutz. Opener "Brimstone Sorcery" sets the tone with slow paced rhythms, brilliantly juxtaposed to the epic vocals. "Dragged to the Torture Wheel" is more groovy without deviating from the formula, while "Gospel of the Servant(The Damnation of Gehena)" is clearly influenced by "Ancient Dreams" in terms of lyricality and melodic synchronisation. "Heathen Witchcraft" is one of the slower and doomier tracks you can hear anywhere, slowly building among whispers and screams but lacking a release valve, ultimately leading to internal despair. "Lord of the Seven Churches" reveals a more Pentagram-esque influence on the band, which is necessary to alleviate the abysmal weight of its predecessor. Finally, the album concludes with the EPIC "Tear off the Veil off the Sun", which is more in line with the epic metal sensitivities of Mutz and less within the expectations of the album, but remains an excellent track which not only showcases a different side of the band but also closes a very heavy doom album on a positive note, which some times is all a poor man can ask. An album certainly for not all moods, but definitely worth a spin when you are in for some real doom metal!

94.2/100

Below is the audio for "Tear off the veil off the Sun"